Auxiliary / Back-up Outboard Engines Guide

This is a quick guide to auxiliary engines now that the market has changed and electric outboard solutions are available.

This has also been updated due to the new E10 fuel.

Do I need a backup engine?

For most people having a 2nd engine to get you to a safe place or even hold station ie so you don’t drift into shipping lanes or find your boat heading to rocks gives peace of mind and in some cases actually save lives.

For some people though this is less vital and/ or practical than others ie

  • Have a twin engine set up
  • Are using the boat only on calm days in inland lakes and lochs
  • There is no practical space to put one
  • The size of the boat makes it infeasible

For most people it is also a personal choice and though they are strongly recommended it is not the law to have one in most cases.

If though like many users there is space and it is practical to fit please keep on reading as this document is designed to help you save money and make the most out of your auxiliary/ back-up outboard investment.

Traditional issues with back-up / auxiliary outboards

  • Most engines fail due to bad fuel so unless you purchase this from a separate source they don’t solve the problem unless you go electric
  • Many 2 stroke and 4 strokes can be hard to start
  • Flushing out your back up engine is pain for most users
  • Its another thing to check before you leave ie starting it and running it to make sure its in good working order
  • Replacing the fuel on a regular basis. This is even more vital when using E10
  • It’s another engine that needs to be serviced and hence adds more cost to running the boat unless again the engine is electric.

Due to the above we have detailed below the considerations when using a petrol auxiliary engine or an electric engine.   Please note that this is based on your main engine also not being electric!

Petrol outboards

Pro’s

  • Cheap to buy
  • Easy to work out what size is needed
  • Can be used on other boats subject to the right sizing

Con’s

  • Service costs
  • Starting problems
  • The need to buy fuel from a separate source
  • Over 6hp is very very heavy
  • The need to flush them out if used in the sea
  • Use water  to cool them so  can overheat if the water inlet vents get blocked

Electric axillary outboards

Pro’s

  • The only moving part is the propellor so extremely reliable
  • No servicing
  • Not water cooled so can be used anywhere without blocking vents
  • No need to go to a 2nd fuel station
  • Longevity  ie most are good for 3000 cycles or over 15,000 hours
  • In some cases they can be used also on tenders depending on the solution purchased
  • No starting problems
  • Hydro regeneration solutions are readily available
  • Remote control options available
  • Hassle free

Cons

  • Are a bit more expensive to buy
  • If the boat is over 2 tons then you will have external batteries that will need charged using shore power/ solar etc. This is obviously not a problem in a marina but can be in other locations
  • A bit harder to work out what is needed

 

Summery

Having a backup / auxiliary back up engine for many people is good thing and both petrol and electric outboards / pod drives provide a useable solution.   If you are boating for more than 5 years or simply want hassle free then the electric outboard/ pod option will often be the most cost-effective solution. If you are not a long term boater then the petrol engine give a cheaper alterative

To find out more about the various options for petrol or electric auxiliary outboards please contact us by clicking here or calling 07595638185 7 days a week